Asphyxia

Asphyxia for Solo Flute composed by Nicole Chamberlain

Published by Spotted Rocket

Asphyxia was commissioned by the Oklahoma Flute Society for the final round of the 2016 Collegiate Competition on April 1, 2016 at the University of Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Flute Society Flute Fair.
The word asphyxia is a medical term for a person’s inability to breathe and lack of oxygen in the body. The symptoms of asphyxia can be light headedness or dizziness. Playing the flute is an instrument that requires plenty of air supplied by the performer. Many young flutists will complain about being dizzy when first learning to play the flute, but after a few weeks the young flutist adjusts to the new demands and the dizziness subsides. A veteran flutist will seldom experience dizziness. However, when relentless extended techniques are added, new athletic demands can bring the most experienced to gasp for air.

Extended Techniques:
Jet whistle
Ch, Ki, So, Sha, and Za – use these syllables as articulation for the pitch indicated for a breathy percussive effect
Wide vibrato pulse
Pitch bending
Foot stomp